In Search of That Which Was Lost

Junior Officer's Night

2006-10-26T21:28:00.000-05:00

Tonight was, as the title of the blog entry suggests, Junior Officer's Night. THis is a night wherein the Jr. Warden, Decon and Steward serve as WM, JW and SW respectivly.

Tonight we also had the initiation of Mr. Philip Clark, who I went to high school with. Hopefully Phil enjoyed himself, and will enjoy the other two degrees.

-Nate

My New Book

2006-10-12T20:32:00.000-05:00

We had a regular business meeting tonight (I filled in again as SD) and Lodge voted to have the history that I'm working on published! Now, it's just a matter of contacting the publishing company!

-Nate

PS: Here's a seperate Blog where I'll post parts of my Lodge history. Enjoy!

http://hpl766.blogspot.com/

New Book

2006-10-10T17:50:00.000-05:00

Just picked up a new book about masonry. It's title is very provacative, as is most Masonic books. "The Secrets of Freemasonry" by Michael Bradley seems interesting, and from what I have been able to skim through, also seems informative. There's a lot of basic info in here about Blue Lodge stuff, but it's never a bad idea to brush up on Blue Lodge info. I'll let you all know what it's like once I read it!

-Nate

Past Master's Night

2006-10-05T21:10:00.000-05:00

Tonight was a very fun meeting. We had Past Master's night wherein the Past Masters of Poland Lodge are invited to attend, and they sit in on the degree work. We had FC degree and it went very well. It was great to see so many member there, and to see Past Masters doing degree work (albeit a little shakey).

Do any of your other Lodges do somthing similar? And, do you all have any funny/interesting stories?

-Nate

Latest Update

2006-09-27T21:08:00.000-05:00

Yes, again, I know I havn't updated in a while, and let's face it, I probably won't be able to every week (but I'll try my hardest). Anyway. . . I started into YR tonight and it was amazing! There is so much to learn about the craft, and so many gaps filled in by the YR ceremony.

For those of you out there in YR, I have to choose my M, but I'm not sure what. Anyone have suggestions out there? Let me know. . . .

Update!

2006-08-28T08:02:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know, it's been a while since the last update. Labor Day will have a raising ceremony at a near-by Lodge, and I'm going to try to get some pcitures from that. Also, Lodge starts back on Sept. 7th, and there will once again be activity to report on.

Unfortunatly, I'm also starting school again, so I'll be busy with that too. I'll try as best I can to keep things updated.

-Nate

NBC's Treasure Hunters

2006-07-19T21:28:00.000-05:00

I've been following a tv show recently called Treasure Hunters, on NBC. It's a reality show wherein 10 teams comete to find clues that will lead to a treasure.

In the opening sequence the announcer mentions somthing about a treasure hidden by our forefathers and concealed by a society still in existance today. Also, along with the tv competition, there is an online puzzle game wherein people can win $20,000.

What does all this have to do with Masonry? The online game, and I suspect the tv show as well, is heavily steeped in Masonic symbols. I don't knmow how exactly it ties into Masonic ritual, history etc. . . but I'm excited to see things play out.

All those interested check out http://www.nbc.com/Treasure_Hunters/ for the online game, team profiles etc. . .

Spot the Difference!

2006-07-09T14:02:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of my Lodge, opened in the MM Degree, but somthing is wrong. See if you can spot what's not right in this picture. For an enlarged image, just click on the picture.

Hint: This is an easy one, there are only two things wrong.

Quick Update

2006-07-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

Not a whole lot new here. I've petitioned to my local Royal Arch Chapter, Ashlar Chapter # 213. I'm still working on the history for my Lodge and it is comming along quite nicly. I'll post some parts of it as time goes by.

Until next time,

-Nate

Pictures of Lodge

2006-06-22T14:14:00.000-05:00

Two posts in one day?! Yes indeed. Here's a few pictures of my Lodge room.

My History

2006-06-22T06:39:00.000-05:00

Here's a little background on myself. My name is Nathan Pavalko, and I am a member at Poland Lodge #766 in Poland, Ohio. I am currently a student at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio. I am a history major.

I petitioned to join Poland Lodge in June of 2005. I was initiated on January 6, 2006, was passed on January 19, 2006, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 2, 2006.

In the six months or so from petitioning to raising my father was diognosed witha brain tumor. He passed away in May this year. Masonry has helped me through this and given me a sense of comfort that was beyond my expectations.

I am currently compiling the history of my Lodge to be submitted to the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 2008 (Grand Lodge's Bicentenial). I'll update on the progress of the history, and maybe post parts of it if you all are interested.

Until next time,

-Nate

First Post

2006-06-20T21:33:00.000-05:00

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forever more." Amen

Indeed it is good and pleasant that Brethren (or perhaps e-Brethren?) of various Masonic Lodges around the world can dwell in unity and share idea about this most wonderful Craft.

My name is Nathan, and I am fairly new Master Mason (was raised in March) I've created this blog to share my Masonic experience as I do Craft work in my Blue Lodge, and as I advance through Scottish and York Rites.

I will post various ideas on Masonic history, Craft etc. . . as well as some fun trivia and probably some non-Masonic thoughts, but no religion or politics, that's forbidden in Lodge =)

So, join me! Check back often, and I hope you like what I have to say.

Fraternally,

-Bro. Nathan Pavalko

Poland Lodge #766 F. & A.M.
Poland, Ohio